Estimator - Multi-utility/ Civils

IES Utilities Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

IES Utilities Group Ltd in Manchester with hybrid working is seeking an Estimator for multi-utility and civils projects. The role supports high-value bids by delivering accurate, competitive estimates for opportunities up to £500m+ turnover.

You will produce from first principles, model costs, manage risk, and collaborate with commercial, planning, and operations to ensure delivery requirements are reflected.

Qualifications

• Extensive estimating experience within utilities, infrastructure, or construction.
• Analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong stakeholder management and executive-level communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare estimates from first principles including labour, materials, sub-contractors and prelims.
• Develop financial models and cost breakdowns to support business cases.
• Produce fully priced risk registers.
• Present estimate proposals to Senior Management and Directors in accordance with governance procedures.
• Ensure estimates are compliant with company standards and client requirements.

Job description

About the job Estimator - Multi-utility/ Civils

Job Title: Estimator Multi-utility / Civils

Location: Manchester with Hybrid working option

Business Area: Multi-utility

Salary: Up to £50k, with appropriate package for role

About IES Utilities Group Ltd:

IES Utilities Group Ltd is a leading UK utility Provider delivering end-to-end utility solutions. Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, where we provide survey, design, construction, and maintenance services nationwide.

With a commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, IES supports clients in building and maintaining resilient, future-ready infrastructure networks across the UK. Headquartered in Manchester, IES continues to grow as a trusted partner in the utilities sector.

Our vision is to be the leading utility and infrastructure services provider, Known for innovative and sustainable solutions to current and future challenges, and our mission: To enable essential utility networks and infrastructure to achieve exceptional levels of resilience and long-term value.

Purpose of the Role:

The successful Estimator will be responsible for supporting the estimating function across high-value, complex

opportunities that are critical to the companys growth trajectory. Operating within a business with turnover

up to £500m+ per annum, this role will ensure all estimates are accurate, competitive, and commercially

robust, supporting the successful delivery of bids, acquisitions, and major strategic projects.

Key Skills:

• Interpret the requirements of clients by undertaking detailed assessment of all project documents
• Produce estimate from first principles to include all labour, materials, sub-contractors and prelim items
• Cost modelling and cash flow forecasts
• Ability to work alone to tight deadlines as required
• Production of fully priced risk registers
• Good commercial knowledge and ability to interpret contract risks
• Interpretation of contract documents and identification of commercial risks
• Develop financial models and cost breakdowns to support business cases
• Presentation of estimate proposals to Senior Management and Directors in accordance with internal
• governance procedures
• Issue enquiries and benchmark prices taking consideration of stated exclusions

Bid & Project Support

• Work with commercial and planning teams to ensure estimates support high-quality bid submissions
• Liaise with Operations to ensure estimates reflect all delivery requirements and capture all of the costs required to deliver the works
• Contribute to pricing strategies for complex frameworks, joint ventures, and strategic projects.
• Provide estimating input during negotiations with clients, partners, and investors.

Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure all estimates are compliant with company standards, client requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
• Maintain governance, audit trails, and benchmarking information to validate estimating accuracy.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
• Engage with divisional leaders, commercial teams, and technical experts to validate assumptions and ensure deliverability.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and partners to secure accurate pricing and market intelligence.

Experience

• Extensive estimating experience within utilities, infrastructure, or construction, ideally across multiple sectors (power, water, gas, renewables, telecoms).
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience engaging at Executive and Board levels.

Key Measures of Success

• Timely delivery of accurate, competitive, and commercially robust estimates
• Positive feedback from all Managers, Department Heads of Business and Directors.